Are the Lakers more talented than the Heat?

Last season, Chris Bosh repeatedly called the Heat the best team in the league last season, and was proven right.

Last week, he shared a more unexpected opinion with Miami radio station WQAM.

“The Lakers, I think, right now, I mean on paper, they probably have the best team in the West and probably the league right now. On paper. I’m saying on paper. But it’s a lot, a lot, it’s a long season. And the best team always isn’t the one who starts out the season as the best team.”

So let’s take a closer look at this “paper.”

Point guard: Steve Nash vs. Mario Chalmers

Edge: As fond as Erik Spoelstra may be of Chalmers — the “good” Chalmers, anyway — the coach has never called him a “maestro.” Yes, Nash has defensive deficiencies, but they’ll be masked some by Mike Brown’s system and mitigated plenty by Dwight Howard’s presence. And, of course, he’s still among the most efficient shooters and dynamic players in the game, whose burden will be reduced greatly by his new teammates. Big edge Lakers.

Shooting guard: Kobe Bryant vs. Dwyane Wade

Edge: The two elite two-guards of the post-Jordan era, neither of which played at his peak last season. (Focus more on Bryant’s declining efficiency than his high volume statistics). Both have taken a physical beating. Wade, however, is younger, and sounds energized after an offseason knee cleanout. Call it even, with a slight edge to Wade at this stage, if he continues to accept more of a step back — something Bryant would seem disclined to do.

Small forward: Metta World Peace vs. LeBron James

Edge: Can this count for not one, not two, not three, not four, for the Heat?

Power forward: Pau Gasol vs. Shane Battier

Edge: Nothing speaks to the difference between these two rosters like this spot. On one side, a 7-footer with a lethal post game, when Bryant deigns to let him establish it. On the other side, a corner three-point shooter and crafty defender. It’s possible the Heat could start Udonis Haslem or Rashard Lewis, but either way, it’s a Laker edge.

Center: Dwight Howard vs. Chris Bosh

Edge: Howard, when healthy, is a top-five, maybe top-three, two-way force in the NBA. But how healthy will he be? Bosh’s importance was evident again in his absence. This is unfair, since Bosh, even as a reluctant “five,” would pose problems to nearly all of the league’s pivots — and has had some success getting Howard on his heels. But it’s a Laker edge.

This doesn’t account for the possible contribution of Mike Miller, who is back in the gym, or the occasional three-point barrage from James Jones. And it’s still a solid edge for the Heat, if only because Allen (if his ankle’s healed) has more potential to impact more games than anyone else.